Empanadas are a culinary delight, featuring flaky, golden pastry envelopes stuffed with savory or sweet fillings. Whether served as appetizers, snacks, or a full meal, they promise a versatile and satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The dough is perfectly flaky and buttery, complementing any filling.
Customizable with various savory or sweet fillings.
Bake or fry to suit your preference.
Ideal for meal prep; they store and reheat beautifully.
A crowd-pleaser for parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 egg
1/3 cup cold water
1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Filling (Savory Option):
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef or chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup diced potatoes or peas (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
Knead gently, shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Add the ground meat, cooking until browned and breaking it apart.
Stir in cumin, paprika, and optional vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4- to 6-inch circles.
Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges with a fork.
Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with a beaten egg.
Bake or Fry:
Bake: Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 empanadas
Variations
Sweet Option: Fill with sweetened cream cheese, fruit preserves, or dulce de leche.
Vegetarian: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mixture of beans and cheese.
Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the filling.
Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded cheese into the savory filling.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store baked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place unbaked or baked empanadas on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly using a fork, and avoid overfilling the dough.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, pre-made pie crust or puff pastry works as a quick alternative.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it wrapped in plastic.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.
Can I bake and fry them?
Yes, bake them for an even cook and crispy finish, and fry them briefly for an extra golden crust.
Conclusion
Empanadas offer a delicious mix of textures and flavors, making them a favorite across cultures. Whether baked or fried, savory or sweet, they are endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to satisfy. Try making a batch today and savor the joy of these golden pockets of goodness.
📖 Recipe:
PrintEmpanadas
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
Description
Enjoy the perfect empanadas recipe featuring golden, flaky pastry with customizable fillings. Choose savory or sweet options, bake or fry to perfection, and discover why these hand-held delights are loved worldwide.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 egg
1/3 cup cold water
1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Filling (Savory Option):
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef or chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup diced potatoes or peas (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Whisk egg, water, and vinegar in another bowl, then add gradually to the flour mixture.
- Knead gently, shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add ground meat, cook until browned, and break apart.
- Stir in spices and optional vegetables. Let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4- to 6-inch circles.
- Add filling to each circle, fold into half-moons, and seal with a fork.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and brush with a beaten egg.
Cook:
- Bake: 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Fry: 2-3 minutes per side in heated oil.
Notes
Experiment with savory or sweet fillings for variety.
Store and reheat easily for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 empanadas
- Calories: 260 kcal (per empanada, depending on filling)